Green Bay Packers: Grades for every 2019 NFL Draft pick

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COLLEGE STATION, TX – AUGUST 30: Jace Sternberger #81 of the Texas A&M Aggies scores on a 7 yard touchdown reception against the Northwestern State Demons during the first half of a football game at Kyle Field on August 30, 2018 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /

Round 3, Pick 75: Jace Sternberger, TE, Texas A&M

Grade: B

Jace Sternberger, Green Bay’s fourth selection in the 2019 NFL Draft, fulfills a huge need as a backup tight end. With Jimmy Graham entering a make-or-break season and Marcedes Lewis set to turn 35 in May, the Packers needed a tight end to groom into a future starter. Sternberger appears to be their guy.

Sternberger has outstanding hands and displays excellent route running. He leaves a little to be desired as a blocker, but most tight ends struggle in that aspect coming out of college. “Despite his experience in-line and willingness to block in Jimbo Fisher’s offense, he has neither the size nor strength to handle those duties as a pro,” noted NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein in Sternberger’s draft profile.

The Packers’ only reliable in-line blocking tight end currently on the roster is Lewis. But it’s not like Sternberger is completely incapable. He’s a much better blocker in the passing game, but the Packers likely won’t use him as such. They’d rather have him as a run blocker.

In Sternberger’s only season at Texas A&M, he caught 48 balls for 832 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging a whopping 17.3 yards per catch. It appears Green Bay has their future Graham replacement.

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